Basketball - STOP Sports Injuries

Basketball was first introduced to the world in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, using a soccer ball and two peach baskets. Today's high-speed, physical sport scarcely resembles the original game.

What types of injuries are most common in basketball?

• Ankle Sprains
• Jammed Fingers
• Knee Injuries Deep
• Thigh Bruising
• Facial Cuts
• Foot Fractures

How can basketball injuries be prevented?

• Have a pre-season physical examination and follow your doctor's recommendations for basketball injury prevention
• Hydrate adequately - waiting until you are thirsty is often too late to hydrate properly
• Pay attention to environmental recommendations, especially in relation to excessively hot and humid weather, to help avoid heat illness
• Maintain proper fitness - injury rates are higher in athletes who have not adequately prepared physically
• After a period of inactivity, progress gradually back to full-contact basketball through activities such as aerobic conditioning, strength training, and agility training.
• Avoid overuse injuries - more is not always better! Many sports medicine specialists believe that it is beneficial to take at least one season off each year. Try to avoid the pressure that is now -exerted on many young athletes to over-train. Listen to your body and decrease training time and intensity if pain or discomfort develops. This will reduce the risk of injury and help avoid "burn-out."
• Talk with your coach and/or athletic trainer about an ACL injury prevention program and incorporating the training principles into team warm-ups
• The athlete should return to play only when clearance is granted by a health care professional.

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